About Independent Cat Society

Contact info

About Our Shelter...

The Independent Cat Society is a no-kill cat shelter in Westville, Indiana. We're conveniently located about one hour east of Chicago, 2.5 hours north of Indianapolis, and only 45-minutes west of South Bend, Indiana.

Since we were founded in 1977, our goal has been to find homes for homeless cats in our community. Once each cat is spayed or neutered, we focus on adopting the cat into a safe, loving and lasting home.

As a not-for-profit 501(c)(3), the Independent Cat Society is funded almost entirely through membership, adoption fees, fundraising events, and the generous tax-deductible donations of caring individuals, like you. Although we have a small cleaning and medicating staff, we operate our shelter mainly with volunteers. We do not receive any government funding.

Every cat admitted to our shelter is examined by a vet, is spayed or neutered, and is up-to-date on vaccines and necessary medical treatment. Our no-kill policy means we do not euthanize cats unless a veterinarian advises it to relieve suffering.

Many people think animal shelters are a sad place to visit. Not true! The Independent Cat Society is a happy place, where the animals are healthy are well cared for. We always feel good visiting the shelter,and we're sure you will, too.

If you would like to be a part of our life-saving mission, as a donor, volunteer, or adopter, please contact us, tour the shelter and meet our "family."

Come Meet Our Pets...

The shelter is open for adoptions Saturdays from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., and Sundays from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. Other adoption hours are by appointment.

Our Adoption Process...

You may adopt a cat or kitten from us, for a $75 adoption fee. For this fee, your cat will have had: a vet exam, spay or neuter surgery, feline leukemia and FIV tests, age-appropriate vaccinations, treatment for worms and fleas, an identification tattoo, a temporary cardboard cat carrier, and a free exam at a participating veterinarian within two weeks of adoption.

Our goal is to find loving, safe and responsible homes for our shelters’ cats. We take our adoption process seriously, so we review adoption applications carefully.

If you're interested in adopting from us, visit us on the weekend. Be prepared to spend at least 30 minutes talking with our adoption counselors and completing an adoption application.

To adopt from us, you must: be 21 years of age; have a valid ID with current address; bring your family or roommates with you; and be able to provide name and numbers for your landlord, your employer, your veterinarian, and personal references.

Our shelter, like many others, has a short application review period of 3-5 days. In our review, we telephone your vet, employer and personal references. Our review helps us find the best homes for our cats and gives you and your family a chance to carefully think about your decision.

Please discuss adopting with all family members, roommates, and frequent visitors to your home. A new pet requires responsibility, dedication, love and devotion, and sometimes, a great deal of money. Adoption of a pet is a lifetime commitment.

We want to find good homes for our cats, but we don't want you to feel pressure to adopt. If you change your mind or decide you're not able to provide for the lifetime needs of a pet, don’t hesitate to let us know.

Once we review your application, and you are approved to adopt, you'll sign an adoption contract.

A few weeks after you’ve adopted from us, one of our volunteers will contact you. During this follow-up call, we’ll make sure the cat is happy and healthy in his or her new home and answer any questions you may have.

The Independent Cat Society has a “lifetime return” policy -- we will happily welcome back any adopted cat, at any time for any reason, you feel you can no longer care for the animal.

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